Call Out: Commission Programme for Disabled Artists with mentorship and support from artist Jason Wilsher-Mills
Call Out: Commission Programme for Disabled Artists with mentorship and support from artist Jason Wilsher-Mills in partnership with National Coal Mining Museum for England. Funded by Arts Council England.
- Are you a disabled creative inspired by coal mining heritage and its impact on people and places?
- Would you like time, space, and support to create new work through a commissioned opportunity?
- Would you value mentoring sessions with artist Jason Wilsher-Mills?
If so, this bespoke mentoring, learning, and commission programme could be for you!
About the Programme
Running January–August 2026, this programme offers disabled artists the chance to create new commissioned artwork for the National Coal Mining Museum for England, supported by artist mentor Jason Wilsher-Mills.
- 3 Micro Commissions Available
- Each commission: £2,000 fee + £500 materials + up to £600 access support
- Open to disabled artists based in or connected to former coalfield communities across the UK
Your work will be exhibited at the Museum in Wakefield and/or touring partner or community venues, with potential for digital display alongside Jason’s major new exhibition.
Artists will collaborate with communities to explore what culture means locally, resulting in creative outputs inspired by these conversations. You’ll also reflect on your progress with Jason and peers to inform your future practice.
About Jason Wilsher-Mills
Jason is a Wakefield-born artist whose vibrant, bold work combines digital and traditional media, large-scale sculptures, and immersive technologies. His art reflects stories of disability, class, family, activism, and popular culture, using humour and a psychedelic palette inspired by 1970s comics.
Jason’s personal experience as a disabled artist and his coal mining heritage deeply inform his practice.
Programme Aims
To coincide with Jason’s major exhibition at the Museum, this programme aims to:
- Support disabled artists to grow skills and confidence
- Deliver micro commissions inspired by ex-mining communities
- Provide mentorship and peer learning opportunities
What You’ll Gain
- Develop a new micro commission in collaboration with a community
- Mentoring with Jason Wilsher-Mills and peer feedback sessions
- Insights into socially engaged practice and co-creation
- Networking and sector connections
- Signposting to future opportunities
What’s Involved
- Initial 1:1 online meeting with Jason and team to set goals and discuss access needs
- Group orientation session (in-person where possible) exploring socially engaged approaches
- Mix of online and in-person mentoring sessions
- Interim group reflection
- By May 2026: Present plans for sharing outcomes (exhibition, digital, sound, etc.)
- Final cohort meeting to reflect on successes and challenges
Key Details
- Applications Open: Friday 7 November 2025
- Deadline: Friday 5 December 2025, 5pm
- Artist Cohort Announced: By Friday 9 January 2026
Access & Support
We are committed to making this programme accessible. Funding of up to £600 per commission is available for access needs (e.g., travel).
If you have an Access Document, please attach it to your application. Alternative formats (video/audio) are welcome.
Locations
- National Coal Mining Museum for England
- Online sessions
Accessible venues will be used throughout.
Equal Opportunities
We encourage applications from under-represented groups in the arts sector, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, neurodivergence, sexual orientation, religion, or lived experience.
How to Apply
Send:
- Fill in the application form including 500-word statement on why you want to join the programme
- 2 examples of your work
- Access statement/details of any access requirements on the application form
Please contact us if you would prefer to send your application in an alternative format such as video or audio recording.
Questions? Join a Zoom Q&A on 24 November – email to book.
For enquiries:
exhibition@ncm.org.uk | pa@jwmartist.co.uk
Download the JWM and NCMME microcommission information pack here.
Funded by Arts Council England. Delivered by Jason Wilsher-Mills in partnership with the National Coal Mining Museum for England.